The Ballad of a Hustler
Heitor Dhalia
United States, 2023, 103 min.
In English, Portuguese, Spanish with English subtitles.
Includes violence and adult language.
Upon his release from prison, Jonathan discovers his ex-fiancée has gone missing, leaving behind her 6-year-old son. The unlikely pair venture into the dangerous underworld of illegal immigration in a desperate attempt to find her
Director's Statement
The Story of Jonathan, Karen and TJ reflect different aspects of many immigrants around the world. Jonathan is a legal immigrant who thinks he belongs in a place where he is only used by others . Karen is an illegal-immigrant who lives an erratic life of underemployment and bad life choices, And in the center of it all is TJ, her 6-year-old son, left alone to his own devices when there is no one to take responsibility for him. Though they may be the backbone of America, they are in many ways invisible.
Category: Drama, Feature.
Themes: Immigration, Relationships, Family.
More in Drama
-
Wind Across the Room
Jiaxi Shen
China, 2025, 13 min.On an ordinary afternoon, long-simmering tension with her single father finally erupts. The teenage girl sets off for the home of her mother, whom she... more ›
-
Between the Lines
Litzy Carrasco
United States, 2026, 7 min.After a painful breakup, Leah retreats to a quiet cabin with her best friend, Bailey, hoping for a weekend of healing. While exploring, Leah finds a guest book... more ›
-
River Mamma
Arun K. Vir
United States, 2025, 29 min.In Jamaica—where legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals are virtually non-existent and trans communities face profound risk—Jacqueline grapples... more ›